Motor Industry News

“The current market is blighted by repetitive stock – it seems to be going round and round and will sell at some point.”- David Hill

My Car Check Trade is the trade valuations arm of CDL Vehicle Information Services. Based on cutting-edge industry data and feedback from independent and franchised dealers, these monthly bulletins highlight the most significant trends in the UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) market.

My Car Check Trade’s LCV expert, David Hill, commented: “July finished with the market slowing down as people headed off on holiday. This is normal for the time of year and will continue throughout August, although the trade will always be on the lookout for any bargains. The current market is blighted by repetitive stock – it seems to be going round and round and will sell at some point. Most remarketing departments are now wise to the unique seasonality of the LCV trade, so expect fresh stock to arrive in September.

“In the small van sector, we have Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, with Sport and Sportive examples the best ones to buy. A few Peugeot 206 vans appeared and trade buyers were happy to take them as a cheaper alternative. Vauxhall Astra vans are still desirable, particularly low mileage examples and Sportive models.

“The car derived van (CDV) sector is saturated so the trade can pick out the most desirable stock. There are plenty of Citroen Berlingos about, with Enterprise models in black or silver the most desirable, especially those with air conditioning. It is a similar story with Volkswagen Caddy and we now have light blue ones emerging from a utility company. These are renowned for having good specification but just note that some of them are 69PS variants – if we get some volume the smaller engine prices will naturally slide. New version Vauxhall Combo models are now a common sight in open auctions, and values are slipping fast as the volume increases. Apart from 1.7 examples with good specification, the old model isn’t so desirable to the dealer network now.

“The Volkswagen Transporter still tops many retail buyers’ shopping lists, but prices are so strong that some are starting to look at other options offering arguably better value. Standard T28 84 or 102 BHP models are considered affordable, but any with a bigger engine or extras and prices start to rocket. A good alternative is the Ford Transit Custom. Trend or Limited models at two and three years old in popular colours are about and represent good value for money.

“Larger panel vans are still scarce but we do have a better choice than a few months ago. Citroen Relay long and high models look good value but supply has diminished and retail buyers have looked elsewhere. Old model Ford Transit long and high models are still in short supply, but we have some new model variants coming through so values need to be monitored. Trend models need to have air conditioning to be desirable. New shape Mercedes Sprinter models are available from daily rental sources and values are expected to remain firm.

“In the minibus sector, there is plenty of stock to choose from, with some LDV Maxus and Convoy examples and a variety of models from the Ministry of Defence.”